Coalfield Communities 2025-02-06

Perkins agreed with Jogee that while it is important to remember the coalfield's history, what people in the coalfields want today is a sense of ambition for their future. He called on the Government’s industrial strategy to recognise the unique contribution these communities can make and focus on a bright future.

Shannon congratulated Jogee on securing the debate and emphasised the importance of a joint UK strategy to protect coalmining towns and villages across the United Kingdom, highlighting strong industrial connections with coal mining in his constituency as well.

Harris pointed out that many constituents enrolled in the British Coal staff superannuation scheme are disappointed about not receiving the same justice as their former colleagues in the mineworkers pension scheme. She called for urgent action to bring parity to this situation.

Mundell agreed with Harris about the need for justice in pension schemes and emphasised that communities often want regeneration and support from both London and Edinburgh Governments.

Highlights severe health inequalities in coalfield communities, noting an average life expectancy one year less than national average. Urges proper support for these communities.

Notes that high-quality manufacturing jobs attract respected workforces and argues for more companies like Nissan in former coalmining areas to provide opportunities.

Describes his personal connection with mining, referring to the need for continued support for coalfield communities through various campaigns and initiatives. Highlights the social deprivation and poverty in these areas and calls for investment in regeneration.

Acknowledges past Conservative Government policies that have left coalfield communities grappling with austerity. Discusses the importance of righting historical wrongs, such as pension justice, and emphasises the potential for economic growth through green initiatives.

Thanks Adam Jogee for securing the debate and expresses pride in seeing colleagues speak passionately about their communities. Criticises Conservative under-investment and emphasises the importance of celebrating social, economic, and cultural contributions of coalfield areas.

Stevenson supports further regeneration of coalfield communities using modern educational and employment techniques. He cites a report indicating that Ayrshire and Lanarkshire have the lowest job rates for working-age people, highlighting deep-seated inequality due to 14 years of Conservative government policies.

Farnsworth emphasises justice for coalfield communities and pensioners. She discusses the recent increase in pensions for members of the mineworkers pension scheme, but notes that members of the British Coal staff superannuation scheme still await similar benefits.

As an MP from Cannock Chase with a mining heritage, the speaker supports reviewing BCSSS surplus sharing agreements. He highlights infrastructure needs and regeneration issues, emphasising the importance of community identity and local investment in coalfield communities.

The speaker supports a review of the BCSSS to ensure financial security for its members. She calls for transparency on timescales and urges the Government to clarify the process for constituents seeking clarity.

Supporting a review of BCSSS, the speaker emphasises the historical significance of coal mining in west Cumbria. He advocates for economic revival that generates a renewed sense of purpose and pride.

She pays tribute to miners who lost their lives in mining disasters and highlights the importance of preserving industrial heritage. She supports the restoration of railway lines for economic support, mentions the Autumn Budget's reversal on mineworkers pension scheme injustice, and calls for justice for members of the BCSSS.

She expresses the sense of injustice among coal workers who were missed out when the Chancellor announced benefits for mineworkers. She highlights two Bassetlaw residents whose contributions and struggles are overlooked, urging the Government to act urgently on their behalf.

He discusses the tragic history of coal mining disasters in his constituency and praises the uplift in pension payments for former miners. He calls for a swift transfer of investment reserve from BCSSS to its members, emphasising the need for strategic economic regeneration.

She congratulates her fellow MPs on securing the debate and emphasises the importance of preserving historical structures as part of identity and connection to past. She mentions her personal experience with industrial heritage and regeneration efforts.

The debate highlights the decline and loss of industry in towns, particularly focusing on the impact of the closure of mines. Adam Jogee emphasises the need for fair funding allocation based on community needs and supports greater devolution of power to local leaders. He calls for a focus on economic development, regeneration, and connectivity, advocating for increased support for existing businesses rather than expecting large-scale industrial investments.

Stewart discusses the historical decline of coalfield communities and highlights the need for meaningful action. She calls on the Government to reinstate support that was previously provided by previous administrations and emphasises the importance of focusing on health disparities and economic inactivity. She also mentions her constituency's low employment rate, high dependency on welfare benefits, and lack of educational qualifications among its residents.

Perkins talks about the impact of coal mining on Chesterfield’s community and economy. He mentions the loss of educational opportunities due to union closures and calls for a strategic plan for re-energising former coalfield areas, highlighting the potential role these communities can play in the green revolution.

Taylor discusses the historical significance of coal mines to her constituency, acknowledging their closure's impact on local economies. She emphasises the importance of addressing pension injustices for former miners and highlights ongoing deprivation in her area compared to national averages.

The speaker acknowledges the positive measures such as handing over the mineworkers’ pension scheme to ex-coalminers but highlights ongoing issues including addiction, health problems, transport links, and high suicide rates. He emphasises the negative impact of austerity and recent job losses in Grangemouth. The MP supports investment in the Coalfields Regeneration Trust.

The speaker discusses the lasting effects of mining closures on communities, emphasising social cohesion issues and contempt shown by previous governments. She highlights ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure such as roads, public transport, youth facilities, and support for high streets. The MP campaigns for better connections through rail links and improved living standards.

The speaker acknowledges the historical importance of coal mining in his constituency and highlights ongoing challenges such as lower earnings, higher unemployment, and worse health outcomes. He supports government actions like reinstating funds to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust and implementing the Employment Rights Bill.

She thanks her colleague for bringing up this issue and discusses the historical impact on Nuneaton, noting that people earn less and live shorter lives than national averages. She emphasises the need for support in addressing ongoing infrastructure issues such as unadopted roads and contaminated land.

He reflects on the impact of Margaret Thatcher's policies on Welsh mining communities and calls for investment in former coalmining towns to address economic disparities. He also highlights ongoing concerns about miners' pensions and the need for remediation of coal tips.

Emphasised the need to recognise the historical impact of coal mining, including its economic benefits and environmental drawbacks. Cited his great-grandfather's experiences and the infrastructure investments made during Thatcher's government as lessons for future transitions.

Criticised the lack of notice given before mine closures in Easington, comparing it to more successful transitions in Germany. Highlighted the sudden loss of jobs and lack of support from the government.

Suggested that the failure to deliver on economic regeneration for mining areas contributed to the loss of Conservative MPs in those regions at the last election. Pointed out successful interventions by past governments and noted varying degrees of success across different coalfields.

Criticised the government for not standing up for mining pensioners who did not receive justice in their pension schemes. Highlighted the importance of local authority involvement and the need to address environmental risks posed by coal spoil heaps.

Asked if the Minister agrees that economic growth should include every community and person, particularly those in coalfield towns. He emphasised that people should feel the benefits of growth.

Responded to Michael Wheeler's question by agreeing with him and highlighting Greater Manchester’s success while stressing the importance of social opportunities for everyone to benefit from economic growth. He also mentioned plans regarding mineworkers' pensions, devolution, and funding for coalfield communities.

Asked if the Minister would consider a proposal by the Coalfields Regeneration Trust seeking £500 million in capital investment over five years to create industrial space, aiming to support economic growth and community wealth building.

Reaffirmed commitment to ensuring coalfield communities realise their full potential. He agreed to look at the Coalfields Regeneration Trust’s proposal and promised a follow-up in writing. Emphasised the importance of devolution, town planning support, and funding for coalfield areas from Newark-on-Trent to Wrexham.